In summer getting around Furano on foot or via bicycle is an ideal option to see the area. In winter we strongly recommend using the local tour buses, courtesy buses or taxis for travelling any longer distances due to the cold temperatures. The most convenient mode of transport are taxis, but these can tend to be expensive. For guests booked with Fresh Powder we offer a courtesy pick up and drop off service to the JR Furano railway station and complimentary shopping trips to and from the apartments several times a week. Please check with our staff upon arrival for further details.

Walking around Kitanomine in both summer and winter can be very rewarding. It is the perfect way to discover hidden restaurants, bars and bakeries. The township is very eclectic and offers visitors an insight into rural Japan. We recommend wearing warm clothing in winter and only walking in footwear designed for the snow. Although they may not be the latest fashion statement in Paris, “gumboots” or wellingtons with a warm thermal lining are ideal in the deep powder in winter. In summer the moderate climate is conducive to long walks and hikes. In fact the summer, spring and early autumn weather beckons guests to stroll around the village and downtown Furano.

Several bus companies offer transport between downtown Furano and the ski village. The Lavender Go bus and the Goryo Sen companies operate year round. Both companies pick up and drop off at the Furano JR station and drop off at the Naturwald Hotel, just up from Kitanomine high speed gondola. This drop off point is ideally located only thirty metres away from Fresh Powder Apartments. A local bus company also operates a service to downtown Furano. We recommend you check with our staff for timetables and fares when you arrive.

Travelling around Furano in summer on a bicycle is the ideal way to view the spectacular scenery and take in the crisp clean air. Several bike shops can be found in Furano and Kitanomine. Typically the prices for bicycle hire starts at a ¥2000 an hour. Most of the bicycle shops provide a guest cloak service, even for customers who don’t hire a bicycle. They offer luggage storage for approximately ¥300. When hiring a bicycle it is important to check with locals the direction and distance you intend to ride as there are some steep inclines around the Furano region. MTB Hokkaido also offer tours around the Furano area through rolling lavender fields that we highly recommend.